Nerve Tissue Flashcards
Nerve Tissue - Composition
Nerve tissue is composed of cells (neurons) that are specialized for conveying information, as well as support cells (called glial cells)
Neurons: Neuron doctrine
Neuron doctrine: released in 1891; stated that individual neurons are the signaling elements of the nervous system
Neurons: How many are there in the human body?
There are over 100 billion neurons in the human body of varying size and shape
Neurons: Function
What is the function of Neurons?
Neurons receive, process, and transmit signals using electrical and chemical mechanisms
Neurons: Function
What do electrical signals typically convey?
Electrical signals typically convey information rapidly from one part of a neuron to another
Neurons: Function
What do chemical signals typically convey?
Chemical signals typically carry information between one part of a neuron and a part of a second neuron or effector cell (muscle cells, glandular cells, and cardiac cells)
Regions of the neuron
Why are neurons structured into regions?
So that organelles can be distributed in a pattern that supports neuronal function
Neuron Regions: Cell body
AKA Perikaryon
Contains the nucleus and surrounding cytoplasm
Does NOT include the cell processes
Neuron Regions: Cell Body - Structure
Nucleus
Large and spherical in shape
Euchromatic (this means that this part of the cell body is pale staining, which indicates that it is active in RNA synthesis) with a prominent nucleolus
Neuron Regions: Cell Body - Structure
Cytoplasm
Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER and NIssl Substance) and polysomes
Well developed golgi apparatus (post office of the cell)
Numerous mitochondria
Has a well developed cytoskeleton (most distinguishing feature)
Neuron Regions: Cell Body - Function
Trophic (of or retaliating to nutrition) center of the cell
Receptive to stimuli
Neuron Regions: Dendrites
Elongated processes emanating from the cell body
Most neurons have numerous dendrites
Neuron Regions: Dendrites
Structure
Short, tapered, and highly branched
Cytoplasm has organelles similar to the cell body except there are no golgi complexes
Dendritic spines are specializations that are located at some synapses
Neuron Regions: Dendrites
Function
Receptive to Stimuli
Transmit signals towards the cell body
Neuron Regions: Axons
Elongated processes emanating from the cell body
Most Neurons have only one axon
Neuron Regions: Axons
Structure
Long, cylindrical (no tapering), and not highly branched
Cytoplasm has organelles similar to the cell body excet there is no RER or polysomes
Neuron Regions: Axons
Structure - Axon Hillock
Pyramid shaped region where the axon emanates from the cell body
Devoid of Nissl Substance (appears lighter in a stain)
Neuron Regions: Axons
Structure - Terminal Arborization
Branched distal portion of the axon
Neuron Regions: Axons
Function
Generate and conduct signals
Receptive to stimuli
Neuron Regions: Presynaptic Terminal
aka Terminal Bouton or Terminal Bud
Dilated termination of the axon on another cell at the chemical synapse
This region has NO myelin sheath
Neuron Regions: Presynaptic Terminal
Structure - Cytoplasm
Organelles are similar to the cell body except there are more mitochondria and there are small, spherical, membrane bounded synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters